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The network advantage: benefits of interregional scientific knowledge spillovers on AI patenting

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  • Saverio Barabuffi
  • Jacopo Cricchio
  • Alberto Di Minin
  • Guido Pialli

Abstract

Knowledge spillovers have largely been studied as unintended externalities diffusing through geographic proximity, while deliberate interregional networks have been examined mostly through co-inventor ties rather than the scientific layer carried by co-authored publications. This study asks whether spillovers from interregional AI-related co-publications increase regional AI patenting, and whether the ownership composition of regional R&D shapes the capacity to capitalize on them. Using a network-econometric approach across 26 Chinese provincial-level regions from 2006 to 2020, we find that co-publication spillovers foster AI patenting, but the returns concentrate almost entirely in regions where privately owned enterprises dominate R&D, reinforcing regional divergence.

Suggested Citation

  • Saverio Barabuffi & Jacopo Cricchio & Alberto Di Minin & Guido Pialli, 2026. "The network advantage: benefits of interregional scientific knowledge spillovers on AI patenting," Papers 2609.26604, arXiv.org.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2609.26604
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